Make Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake

Ingredients:

-2 packages active dry yeast
-1/2 cup warm water
-1/2 cup sugar
-1/2 cup butter, melted
-2 eggs
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup raisins
-1/2 cup chopped pecans
-1/2 cup packed brown sugar
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/2 cup butter, melted
-1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/4 cup water
-Purple, green, and gold colored sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and 2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth.

2. Stir in the remaining flour, raisins, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 24-inch circle. Place on a greased baking sheet.

5. Brush with remaining melted butter. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and enough water to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm cake. Sprinkle with colored sugars.